How HUB Surface Systems used DecoMark and TrafficPatterns to bring Vancouver's historic Little Italy neighbourhood to life with Italian flag crosswalks and surface branding on Commercial Drive.
Revitalizing Community Identity with Decorative Surface Branding
When the City of Vancouver officially recognized eight blocks of Commercial Drive as historic Little Italy, HUB Surface Systems was brought in to bring that identity to life with durable, colourful pavement markings.
The challenge
Many communities with deep roots can lose their unique character over time due to shifting businesses and urban development. Vancouver's Little Italy needed a way to visually celebrate its Italian heritage, support local businesses, and make a memorable impression on both visitors and longtime residents.
Stakeholders:
- City of Vancouver
- Commercial Drive Business Improvement Association (BIA)
Requirements
After talking with the stakeholders, HUB understood that the project had to meet these requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Design Accuracy | The designs should be well detailed |
| Colour retention | The colours should be vibrant and remain vibrant for a long period of time |
| High Durability | The material should be able to endure high amounts of foot traffic and vehicle traffic, including cars and buses |
| Fast Installation | The installation should be quick so as not to cause long-term disruption to a high value area |
| Low Maintenance | The installations should last and require little maintenance |
What HUB installed
To bring this project to life, HUB Surface Systems applied:
- DecoMark to create engaging surface graphics that brand the pedestrian areas with Little Italy identity markers
- TrafficPatterns for three vibrant, tricolour crosswalks, representing the Italian flag and reinforcing the cultural theme at key intersections
The preformed thermoplastic markings met every requirement and now mark out Little Italy for visitors and residents.
These preformed thermoplastic pavement markings offered:
- Long-lasting colour and design integrity
- Slip-resistant and weather-tough performance
- Fast and efficient installation without resurfacing
The result
The finished installations immediately enhanced the area's visual identity and have been widely praised by local businesses, residents, and tourists alike. The Little Italy branding has become a celebrated feature of Commercial Drive and was even featured in local newspapers.
What comes next
As more communities look to express their identity on the street, DecoMark and TrafficPatterns are proven ways to do it.
